Events

Live opera returns to Gaulitana: A Festival of Music with an all-time favourite, La Traviata.

After the festival maintained its momentum with a number of online operatic series, the full-scale production of Verdi’s best-loved oeuvre highlights the 16th edition of Gaulitana. A stellar cast features Ekaterina Bakanova, Francesco Meli and Piero Terranova in a production directed by Enrico Castiglione. The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Gaulitanus Choir complement the artists in flamboyant choruses, parties and hearth-wrenching arias under the baton of Colin Attard.

La Traviata will be held on Saturday 29th April at 19:30hrs at Teatru tal-Opra Aurora under the distinguished patronage of H.E. George Vella, President of Malta.

Gaulitana: A Festival of Music, organised by the Gaulitanus Choir, is principally supported by the Investment in Cultural Organisations – Gozo of Arts Council Malta and the Ministry for Gozo.
Online booking is available on: www.teatruaurora.com or via the ticket helpline 7904 5779.

More info: www.gaulitanus.com

 

A Joyful way to discover Gozo this Spring.

 

Genuine, locally made goods to take home;

Flower Arrangements;

Children’s craft making and fun events;

Shop, stroll and eat!

 

 

 

 

The Gozo Half Marathon Organising Committee is proud to announce that registrations for participation in this year’s Teamsport Gozo Half Marathon are now open. The event is by far the largest and longest-standing athletic event in Gozo attracting hundreds of local and foreign athletes.

Click here for more info

 

The Dwejra Spring Festival is happening on Sunday, 30th April from 12pm onwards at Dwejra.

 

The fair will include:

– Merry go round

– Rodeo Bull

– Rock Climber

– Adventure Park Multiplay

– Sports Pitch

– Cartoon Characters

– Falcon Show Experience

and much more….

 

This wine festival will be held on Sunday, 30th April from 8.00pm onwards. Various local food and wine stalls will be provided in conjunction with other forms of entertainment such as local music bands and synchronized fireworks, certainly an event not to be missed!

The Qala International Folk Festival has developed into a colourful celebration of cultures through folk dance and music.

For a whole weekend, the village of Qala is transformed into a hub of folk activities as the quaint village square is brought to life by a unique intercultural programme, that has grown to attract locals and visitors for its quality entertainment in an intimate, village setting.

Music, folk dance, costumes… the 14th edition of the Qala International Folk Festival is organised by the Qala Local Coucil and the Menhir Qala Folk Group. A weekend of folk dance, music and traditional food. The quaint village square is brought to life by a unique intercultural programme, that has grown to attract locals and visitors for its quality entertainment in an intimate, village setting. Enjoy folk music, dance and local food.

This is a great opportunity to experience life at a village square while enjoying folk dance, music and traditional food, a true taste of Gozo in all senses.

This event will make you remember Gozo for its hospitality and for the island’s authenticity!

From Tuesday to the Third Sunday of July

The third Sunday of July is always festa day. It is Gozo’s annual St George’s Day. On this day, the bedecked city of Victoria is packed with cheerful crowds. Locals compete for space with other people who flock from the surrounding villages, or cross over from the island of Malta, the latter coming mostly from Ħal Qormi where St George is also Patron Saint.

Of course, Gozo celebrates St George on his proper day as well, which falls in April. April 23rd is St George’s Day all over the world and his festive memory is kept in Gozo and all over the Maltese islands as it is held in the homes and churches of the Christian East and West, in Istanbul, Canterbury and Rome, as well, very probably, as in the most distant regions of the globe.

St George’s Day is perhaps not kept in all the regions of the world in the same manner, nor does the Martyr’s memory necessarily convey a uniform religious significance. In our case, both April 23rd and the Third Sunday of July are primarily religious festivities although they have different, albeit complementary, emphasis. While the April day is exclusively devotional and practically confined to the day’s internal church celebrations, the July festa is spread out over several days of external festivities, cultural fare and popular entertainment. Indeed, Gozo’s summer St George’s Day stretches for no less than three weeks.

Every Maltese town and village has its festa. At times a village may have more than just one, depending on the number of parish churches or saintly patrons (within the same parish church) with whom different localities or social groups may identify. Every festa, however, strives for the biggest church pomp and pageantry, and provides for the wildest external revelry possible. Quite aptly the Maltese refer to these two festa dimensions as il-festi ta’ ġewwa (internal festivities) and il-festi ta’ barra (external festivities). The former consist of devotional actions and liturgical ritual, and the latter comprise street decorations, band marches and fun events such as horse racing and youth parties.

However each festa has its peculiarities and its distinctive aspects. This is certainly the case with St George’s Festa. St George’s Festa is distinctive on two counts:  It has retained, without interruption, the traditional format of the liturgy,  it has nevertheless continued to be the most innovative in keeping abreast with a changing society.

 

 

With its rugged, romantic coastline, ancient mysterious landmarks, passionate people and selfie-worthy scenery Gozo provides the perfect backdrop for romantic breaks. Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, the island is an ideal destination for an idyllic, romantic holiday for two. The hospitality of Gozitan people and the serenity of scenery here, enchants visitors and the laid back pace of life will enrich your relationship, giving you the time and space to fall more in love with each other.

Plus, with coastal landmarks like Dwejra Tower, Xlendi Tower and Calypso’s Cave – with the latter linked to legends of love (said to be where the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus a ‘prisoner of love’ for seven years in Homer’s book The Odyssey); the island’s setting is just amazing and you’ll understand why Gozo has the power to captivate visitors.

If romance is on your mind, read on because this week’s VisitGozo blog explains ‘Why Gozo is the perfect place to propose’.

Towering high into the sky in central Victoria is one of Gozo’s most imposing and culturally significant landmarks, The Cittadella – a 3000 year old ancient fortified city. More than a million tourists visit The Cittadella every year and its bastions have seen a number of marriage proposals as earnest couples seeing the beauty of Gozo from its historic high walls seize the moment with a ‘will you marry me?’

John Cremona, is an officer in charge at The Cittadella and says: “Notwithstanding all that the Cittadella stands for, namely the fear and insecurity of our islanders in bygone times during frequent pirate attacks, the Cittadella is actually a very romantic venue. When the morning hustle and bustle of the visiting tourists fades down, a special feeling descends on The Cittadella. Walking along the deserted streets or the ruins of former houses which will have seen many a love story unfold, gasping with wonder at the amazing vistas from the high bastion walls, whether admiring a sunrise or sunset in perfect stillness except for the occasional sound of bells – it is definitely a romantic location.”

In fact, the baroque Cathedral inside the Cittadella hosts wedding celebrations throughout the year and the venue often receive requests from couples wanting to marry on one of the bastions.

From bastions, now onto boats and Gozo’s shores because the crystal blue waters around Gozo’s coast often provide the perfect setting for marriage proposals both above and below sea level! There are a few dive schools in Gozo that have helped divers carry out underwater marriage proposals.

Like, Jovan Steffens from South Africa who travelled out to Gozo in September 2015 to propose to his girlfriend Indra, a nurse who was living in Gozo and was an enthusiastic diver. Jovan had never dived before and used his first ever dive to pop the question, with the help of Rob Smith, a (PADI Dive Instructor and underwater photographer) who took the couple out, settled Jovan under the water so he could focus on the all important big question – and then even took the photos!

If you like the romance of the sea, but prefer staying above water then Gozo has a number of sailing companies where you can book private boat trips. Frankie Magro runs Barbarossa Excursions, a sailing company offering sunset boat trips. Over the years, he’s witnessed many happy marriage proposals aboard his boat tours and says: “The coastline between Gozo and her sister island Comino is naturally romantic and a perfect setting for people to pop the question”.

“During our sunset tours we sail the couple around Comino’s shores, stopping for them to swim, snorkel and to explore their caves and because they are our only two passengers, it’s a very personal moment for them. We anchor in place to ensure a private experience. As the sun set it’s a unique experience to have a wedding proposal taking place in that setting.”

He continues: I know I’m biased because I’ve spent a lifetime sailing our coast but it is an unforgettable way to propose to your partner, everything is already there for you, with the soulful sunset and the silhouette of Gozo in the background. Often our crew will know if a tour has been booked for a marriage proposal because the boyfriend pre-orders a bouquet of flowers which we keep hidden out of sight until the perfect moment!

Jake Lines and Sophie Wilson from Shoeburyness in Essex,UK got engaged whilst staying out in Gozo in June 2017 in a proposal which reads like a romantic film script. They met while working in Gozo and it was on Sophie’s 30th birthday that Jake surprised his unsuspecting girlfriend with an impromptu Treasure Hunt culminating in a marriage proposal. She was expecting to go to the beach and relax but Jake had other plans.

He says – “Sophie and I met her parents for breakfast and were going to spend her birthday on the beach, I told her I was popping home to pack a beach bag but that’s the last she saw of me until I proposed at Comino much later on that day. After I’d left Sophie’s mum gave her a scroll which had clue number 1 of her Treasure Hunt, telling her to go to the place where we first met, which was Mellos Bar in Marsalforn, when she arrived the owner handed clue number 2 to her, telling her to go to where we’d spent our first date together – and so it went on occupying her day until she reached the final clue number 7”

Most of the 7 clues involved Sophie remembering key points from their relationship and Jake roped in locals to play their part. He’d also arranged for Sophie to have pampering treatments and bought her a dress which she wore to what she thought was the final location, a barbeque by their favourite beach, Ħondoq Bay. However, when she arrived a local took her by boat over to Comino where Jake was waiting in a remote candle-lit cave ready to pop the question. Not surprisingly, she said yes.

Jake says – “It was very emotional, I had champagne, candles and a jewellery box with a light inside so she could still see the ring even if it got dark. She started crying when she realised what was happening, whereas I thought she’d be upset with me for missing her 30th birthday!”

If you are considering a more low-key proposal, maybe in a romantic restaurant, Gozo has a fantastic selection of restaurants renowned for serving delicious cuisine in sensational settings. Whether it’s a shore lined eaterie at Xlendi Bay, Marsalforn or Mgarr where you can dine on freshly prepared Mediterranean cuisine whilst watching the sunset over the horizon; or high class fine-dining from a grand historic farmhouse letting you feast on our finest food whilst enjoying equally satisfying country views. Savour the taste of our sumptuous Gozitan food and delight in the romance of our island before getting down on one knee and asking that all-important big question to your beloved. Gozo can set the scene; you just have to find the words.

With thanks to: Frankie Magro, John Cremona, Jake Lines, Calypso Diving Centre, Pete Bullen from Oceanfoto and Indra Steffens.

When was the last time that you were truly awed?

The hamlet of Santa Luċija, Gozo, will host a symbolic parade in honour of its Patron Saint.

Make your way to Gozo and enjoy the crisp air as the sun sets and Ghar Ilma hill lights up in a spectacle of hundreds of flaming lanterns. The beauty of light like you have never experienced before.

A unique moment to inspire you, against the beautiful backdrop of the Gozitan countryside. Drop in at the beautiful Santa Lucija village square and mingle with the locals, savouring local food and unique hospitality.

Attendees will be treated with delicious buns, traditionally associated with this hamlet.

Every year on 8 March, the world pays a very special tribute to all women by dedicating an entire day – the International Womens Day.

The Commission in a statement said that the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities between women and men in almost all areas of life, both in Europe and beyond, rolling back on the hard-won achievements of past years.

It noted that “at the same time, gender equality has never been so high up on the EU’s political agenda, and the Commission has made significant efforts to implement the Gender Equality Strategy, adopted one year ago.”

Member States recorded a surge in domestic violence: There has been no significant rise in reported cases of domestic violence in Malta.

The report also noted that women were at the frontline tackling the pandemic: 76% of healthcare and social-care workers, 86% of personal care workers in health services are women. With the pandemic, women in these sectors saw an unprecedented rise in workload, health risk and challenges to work-life balance, the report found.

Women in the labor market were hit hard by the pandemic: Women are overrepresented in sectors that are worst affected by the crisis (retail, hospitality, care and domestic work), because these jobs cannot be done remotely.

Respect, responsibility and support to every woman is surely not limited to just one day. It should and must be every day. But certainly the International Womens Day is here to remind us of the beauty of each and every woman, irrespective of age, health, history, ideology, race or religion. Respect and love have no boundaries.

Well, on the islands of Gozo and Malta, Women’s day is widely celebrated in schools, at work and in each and every community. Entire families enjoy a nature outing and picnic either by the sea or surrounded by the verdant hills and terraced.

 

 

 

 

 

Carnival Week is undoubtedly one of the most colourful events in the Gozitan – and Maltese – calendar. Traditionally preceding Christian Lent, Carnival provides five days of revelry with many people dressing up in colourful costumes and covering their faces with masks.
Carnival is closely associated with Maltese folklore. It has been celebrated in Malta since the arrival of the Knights of St. John in 1530, and some studies date the first carnival revelry back as early as 1470. Up until 1751, carnival was an activity exclusive to Valletta, but that is certainly not true today.
In Gozo, the main activities take place in It-Tokk (Independence Square), the main square in Gozo’s capital Ir-Rabat and in In-Nadur. Ir-Rabat (Victoria)’s celebrations are the usual carnival fare much like those in Valletta with floats, costumes and general revelry. Carnival in Nadur is quite different.
Nadur’s carnival is deeply traditional and essentially spontaneous. There is no organising committee and there are no rules. In Nadur the purpose of costumes is disguise – quite simply not to be recognised. Sunset reveals a multitude of masked and hooded creatures thronging the streets. People wear all kinds of funny and grotesque costumes, some satirical, and most remain silent to aid their disguise, gaining the Nadur celebrations the sobriquet, The Silent Carnival.
The Nadur ‘floats’ are often little more than carts released from their duties on local farms but there is an edge to the celebrations. Amongst the absurd costumes are to be seen placards daubed with remarks, most of them insults to public (and sometimes private) personalities. In order to avoid libel, many are indirect or veiled references that need the knowledge of a local to interpret them.

Tickets are on sale for the tiered seating area at Saturdays International Fireworks Festival displays taking place in Xaghra.

The seating will be located at the Xhajma Horse racecourse, and the tickets are available to purchase online by clicking here at a cost of €6 each including fee, the face value is €5. The ticket entitles the purchaser entry in to the tiered seating area.

The Festival organisers said that the ticket can be shown on the purchasers phone, they do not need to be printed off.

Public transport arrangements have yet to be announced for the Xaghra display.

This year’s 18th edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival will see the pyro musical shows starting at 8pm. There will also be live entertainment provided on the night by Airport Impressions.

A number of local and foreign fireworks factories are taking part in the competitive event, and as always, it is expected to attract large crowds from across the island, as well as those who travel over from Malta to to enjoy the spectacular, colourful pyrotechnic displays synchronised to music.

The Maltese competitors for this fourth year of the event in Xaghra are:

• Lourdes Fireworks Factory – San Gwann • Kamra tan-Nar Madonna tac-Cintura – Gudja • St.Philip Fireworks Factory – Zebbug • Kamra tan-Nar San Bert – Gharghur. • Mount Carmel Fireworks Factory – Zurrieq • Santa Marija Fireworks Complex – Mgarr • La Stella Fireworks Factory – Gudja **

** Providing closing Salute.

The two international fireworks factories are:

Pyrocom From Estonia • Founded In 2018, however, they form part of Suomen Ilotulitus Oy, which has been in the industry since 1948 • Have performed in over 30 countries around the world • Perform over 400 shows annually worldwide • One of the largest fireworks and special effects companies in Northern Europe • Guarantee the perfect synchronisation of music and fireworks.

Platinum Fireworks from Valenzuela City, Philippines • Founded in 2002 • Their aerial displays have brightened numerous town fiestas and corporate clients • World-renowned pyrotechnic designer Patrice Guy, joined the company, bringing with him over 30 years worth of experience • Held the Guinness World Record for the Largest fireworks show (from 2017 till 2018)

Recent Displays and Awards

• 2018 – 1st Place at Sea Fire Fireworks Festival’ Gold Coast (Australia)

• 2018 – 1st Place at Wanzai Music Fireworks Festival’ China

• 2018 – 2nd Place at Pyromagic Fireworks Competition’ Poland

• 2016 – 1st Place at Potashcorp Fireworks Festival’ Canada

• 3 times grand champions of the Philippines National Fireworks Competition (2001, 2004 & 2006).

The Xaghra event for the Malta International Fireworks Festival is on Saturday, the 27th of April, from 7.30pm to 11.00pm. The full times for the programme will be announced closer to the date.